What it would take for Benfica to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s star right-back, is set to become a free agent in July 2025, as his contract is due to expire on June 30, 2025. Multiple reports indicate that Real Madrid are the front runners to sign him, with negotiations reportedly advanced and a five-year deal on the table. 

For Benfica to sign Alexander-Arnold, they would need to overcome significant challenges and meet specific conditions. Here’s an analysis of what it would take for Benfica to secure his signature.

Outmaneuvering Real Madrid and Other Competitors:

Real Madrid are heavily favored to sign Alexander-Arnold, with sources like The Guardian, BBC Sport, and Sky Sports reporting that he is keen on joining the Spanish giants and has rejected Liverpool’s contract offers. Other clubs, such as Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich, could also enter the race, given his status as one of the world’s best right-backs.

Benfica must offer a compelling project that rivals Real Madrid’s prestige, history, and competitive prospects. Benfica would need to highlight their consistent participation in the UEFA Champions League (they’ve qualified for the last several seasons) and their track record of developing and selling talent to top clubs (e.g., João Félix, Rúben Dias, Darwin Núñez).

Present a unique selling point, such as guaranteed playing time, a leadership role, or a tailored tactical system that maximizes Alexander-Arnold’s creative abilities. Real Madrid’s squad includes Dani Carvajal and other defensive options, which could create competition, whereas Benfica could position Alexander-Arnold as their undisputed star.

Financial Incentives:

As a free agent, Alexander-Arnold will command a significant signing-on fee, high wages, and performance bonuses. Real Madrid, with their financial muscle, are reportedly offering a lucrative package, and Liverpool’s rejected contract proposals suggest Alexander-Arnold’s expectations are high. Benfica, while financially stable, operate on a smaller budget compared to elite European clubs.

Benfica must offer a competitive signing-on fee, potentially in the range of €10-20 million, to match or approach what Real Madrid or other clubs might propose. This would be a significant investment for Benfica, who typically focus on developing younger players.

Structure a wage package that aligns with Alexander-Arnold’s market value, likely around €200,000-300,000 per week, which would make him the highest-paid player in Portugal. Benfica could offset this by including performance-based bonuses (e.g., for Champions League qualification or goals/assists). 

Highlight the financial benefits of living in Portugal, such as lower taxes compared to Spain or England, and the potential for future moves to top clubs, which could preserve his market value.

Tactical and Sporting Fit:

Alexander-Arnold is a unique player known for his exceptional passing, crossing, and set-piece ability, often operating as a playmaker from the right-back position or even inverting into midfield. Benfica’s current system under manager Bruno Lage (or any new manager in 2025) would need to suit his skill set, and the club would need to convince him of their competitive ambitions. 

Benfica must demonstrate a tactical setup that maximizes Alexander-Arnold’s strengths. Benfica typically play a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, with attacking full-backs, which could suit him. They would need to assure him of freedom to influence games creatively, similar to his role under Jürgen Klopp and Arne Slot at Liverpool.

Emphasize their domestic dominance (Benfica have won the Primeira Liga in multiple recent seasons) and their ambition to compete in the Champions League. Provide a clear pathway for Alexander-Arnold to maintain his status as an elite player, potentially by positioning him as a key figure in a squad rebuild or a new era for the club.

Addressing Alexander-Arnold’s Ambitions:

At 26, Alexander-Arnold has already won every major trophy with Liverpool, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Club World Cup. His move is likely driven by a desire for a new challenge, possibly in a different league, and to continue competing at the highest level. Real Madrid offer the chance to win more Champions League titles and play alongside stars like Jude Bellingham, his England teammate. Benfica, while a prestigious club, may struggle to match this allure. 

Benfica must pitch a vision of Alexander-Arnold becoming a legend at the club, potentially as a captain or talisman, similar to how he’s revered at Liverpool. They could emphasize the opportunity to dominate Portuguese football and make history in Europe.

Highlight the lifestyle benefits of living in Lisbon, a vibrant city with a favorable climate, and the chance to experience a new culture, which aligns with comments from Wayne Rooney (BBC Sport) about Alexander-Arnold seeking a fresh challenge abroad.

Timing and Negotiation Strategy:

Alexander-Arnold has been free to negotiate with overseas clubs since January 1, 2025, and reports suggest Real Madrid are close to finalizing a deal. Benfica would need to act swiftly to disrupt these talks. 

Benfica will need to initiate contact with Alexander-Arnold’s representatives immediately, leveraging the fact that no deal with Real Madrid is fully signed. Capitalize on any potential hesitation from Alexander-Arnold, such as concerns about his legacy at Liverpool or doubts about leaving his boyhood club. Benfica could position themselves as a less pressured environment compared to the intense scrutiny at Real Madrid.

Explore an early transfer in June 2025, taking advantage of FIFA’s new rules for the Club World Cup, which allow squad registrations from June 1. Benfica, who are participating in the tournament, could offer Alexander-Arnold the chance to join early for a small fee if Liverpool agree to release him before his contract expires. 

Overcoming Fan and Club Sentiment:

Alexander-Arnold is a Liverpool academy graduate and vice-captain, with a deep connection to the club and its fans. His potential move to Real Madrid has already sparked backlash from some Liverpool supporters, and a move to Benfica, a less glamorous destination, might be seen as surprising or underwhelming by fans and pundits.

Benfica should frame the move as a bold career choice, emphasizing the clubs history (38 Primeira Liga titles, two European Cups) and their role as a stepping stone to global stardom. They could draw parallels to players like Ángel Di María, who used Benfica as a platform before moving to Real Madrid.

Engage with Alexander-Arnold’s camp discreetly to avoid public backlash, ensuring negotiations remain professional and respectful to Liverpool’s legacy.

Realistic Assessment:

While Benfica are a prestigious club with a strong European pedigree, signing Alexander-Arnold would be a monumental challenge due to Real Madrid’s advanced negotiations and their status as one of the world’s biggest clubs. Benfica’s chances would hinge on a significant financial commitment, which could strain their budget. A compelling vision that appeals to Alexander-Arnold’s desire for a new challenge.

Given the current trajectory, Benfica’s prospects appear slim. However, if they can offer a standout financial package, a starring role, and a clear path to continued success, they could theoretically enter the conversation and push for Alexander-Arnold to become the club's new star right back for years to come.

What would it take for Benfica to sign Bernardo Silva in the summer

For Benfica to sign Bernardo Silva from Manchester City in the summer of 2025, several factors would need to align, based on the current situation and reported details.

Financial Considerations:

Release Clause: Silva has a €50 million (£42.6 million) release clause in his Manchester City contract, which runs until June 2026. Benfica are reportedly unwilling to pay this amount, as it stretches their financial capabilities.

Transfer Fee Negotiation: Manchester City might be open to a lower fee, given Silva’s age (30) and the fact that he’ll be in the final year of his contract. However, City would still likely demand a significant sum, and Benfica would need to secure funds, possibly through player sales or external investment.   

Salary Adjustment: Silva currently earns £300,000 per week at Manchester City, far beyond Benfica’s wage structure. He would need to accept a substantial pay cut, which reports suggest he’s willing to consider for a return to his boyhood club. 

Player’s Intent:

Silva has expressed a long-standing emotional connection to Benfica, where he developed in their academy from age eight. He’s indicated openness to returning before his career ends, and recent reports suggest he’s “seriously considering” the move.  

However, Silva has also previously emphasized wanting to compete at the highest level, which could make him hesitate if more competitive clubs (e.g., Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, or Real Madrid) show interest. 

Manchester City’s Stance:

 
City are undergoing a squad rebuild, with key players like Kevin De Bruyne already departing. They may not block Silva’s exit if their valuation is met, especially as his contract nears its end.  

Pep Guardiola values Silva highly, but the club’s need to refresh the midfield (with interest in players like Florian Wirtz or Tijjani Reijnders) could make them more open to a transfer.  

Benfica’s Strategy and Appeal:

Benfica see Silva as a symbolic signing, not just a sporting one, potentially replacing Angel Di Maria and boosting the club’s profile.  

They’ve already initiated talks with Silva’s representatives and Manchester City, showing proactive intent. However, they’d need to convince Silva that returning to the Primeira Liga aligns with his ambitions, given its lower competitive level compared to the Premier League or other top leagues. 

Benfica’s financial constraints mean they might propose a deal with add-ons or a lower upfront fee, which would require City’s cooperation.

Competition from Other Clubs: 

Silva has been linked with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid, all of whom could offer higher wages and more competitive environments. Benfica would need to outmaneuver these clubs, likely relying on Silva’s emotional ties to his homeland and club.  

His “preferred destination” being Benfica, as reported, gives them an edge, but this could shift if a bigger club makes a firm offer. 

Critical Perspective:

While the narrative paints Benfica’s pursuit as driven by nostalgia and Silva’s willingness to return, the financial gap remains a significant hurdle. Benfica’s academy model thrives on developing and selling talent, not splashing cash on high-profile returnees, which makes the €50 million clause or even a reduced fee a stretch. 

Additionally, Silva’s comments about staying at City or competing at the highest level in recent months suggest he might prioritize sporting ambition over sentiment if a top club enters the race. The reported talks could also be a negotiation tactic by Silva’s camp to leverage better terms elsewhere or with City.

In Summary:

Benfica would need to secure a reduced transfer fee (well below €50 million), convince Silva to take a major pay cut, and fend off competition from wealthier clubs. Silva’s emotional connection and City’s openness to a squad overhaul are in Benfica’s favor, but their limited budget and the Primeira Liga’s lower competitive appeal could complicate the deal. 

Progress in negotiations, as reported, suggests a deal isn’t impossible, but it hinges on financial creativity and Silva’s personal priorities going forward.

Benfica need to make decision on Amdouni

Zeki Amdouni joined Benfica during the summer transfer window on loan from Burnley for the season and now as the season winds down, Benfica will need to make a decision in May if they are to trigger the buy clause that is part of the agreement with Burnley.

Benfica paid €2M to Burnley for the loan move of the 26 year old Swiss international and it will cost the club €18M to make the move permanent if the club decides to retain the services of Amdouni for next season.

Amdouni has been a regular with Benfica, with the majority of his minutes coming in the role of a substitute but has contributed eight goals and provided three helpers in 1,213 minutes across all competitions.

Benfica staff have been happy with the contributions made by Amdouni this season but will need to make a decision if the price tag makes sense for the club moving forward. 

Benfica may be open into renegotiating the cost of the purchase with Burnley who paid €18.6M to Basel in the summer of 2023 to acquire Amdouni.